The annual Los Angeles Day of Remembrance commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Executive Order 9066 authorized the US military to forcibly remove persons of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast and set into motion their incarceration into concentration camps during World War II. 

This year’s theme, Rooted in Resistance: Fighting for Justice during World War II, reinforces the importance of standing up for justice in times of great moral crisis. From the draft resisters and the No-No Boys to those who protested through quiet hunger strikes or chanting crowds, resistance has taken many forms since World War II and we will hear truth and testimony from those who remember and honor these stories—Diana Tsuchida, Kyoko Oda, Tak Hoshizaki, and Soji Kashiwagi.

This year’s program is dedicated to Martha Nakagawa, Min Tonai, and Alan Nishio, honored community members who each fought for justice in their own way. The afternoon will also include artistic and musical performances and calls to action.

The 2024 Los Angeles Day of Remembrance is organized by Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Citizens League—Pacific Southwest District, Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo Service Center, Manzanar Committee, Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress, Nikkei Progressives, OCA—Greater Los Angeles, and Progressive Asian Network for Action.

Artwork by Sam Nakahira.